Few would argue against the theory that weather and living conditions affect folk's attitude, some for good, some bad. And watch out for a Full or New Moon. It's written that we are creatures of the universe and all the influences that go with that heritage. How's your planet doing?

In retrospect, it seems as though that November snowstorm was a preview of recent changes in our great Northwest weather pattern. Are the planets involved?

Yesterday, it snowed and early this morning (02.24) Des Moines Marina is covered with snow and ice and only city staff in sight. No walkers, joggers, doggies, or even young daredevil thrill-hungry (younger than me) drivers squirreling their cars around in the fresh snow and ice.

The reality of how cold it really is became clear when a gush of freezing wind left me shivering in body and soul while opening my front door. Visions of Southern California's palm trees, warm sunshine and heated swimming pools jogged memories and I wondered what it would take to immediately transport me there. Oh well, maybe next year I muttered, while pulling my sweater closed.

"There is no accounting for taste: spring is a divine Season to the poet, and nothing but sleet and rain to the weatherman." (Writer unknown)

Just when we think one more cold winter's day is one too many, some of the first flowers of spring, daffodils, poke their yellow buds up through soggy, wet soil. The sun seems to come out to bless their return and remind us - that all things are new again!

Spring arrives March 22nd, Tuesday @ 4:21 p.m. WDT and shows off this beautiful Northwest country.

The month of March 2011 has both a New Moon and a Full Moon. Each Moon is, by ancient belief, suspected to bring their own Universe influences that impacts humanity. Positions of these Moons directly cause opposite affects.

The New Moon of March 4th is said to be the start of new beginnings -- such as love and good times. The Full Moon of March 19th is said to have spooky effects linked to crime, accidents, and even Werewolves, according to ancient beliefs.

Some say local police and fire personnel who see all kinds of behavior, working 24/7 shifts with the public, have related an increase in bad behavior during such moon positions.

If you're planning on attending Des Moines Rotary Club Poverty Bay Wine Festival, March 4th through 6th at Landmark by the Sound you'll likely have one fine and dandy time. The New Moon is in full bloom that night and love may be just around the corner. (Do you suppose those resourceful Rotary folks planned it that way?)

Tickets and information at Des Moines Drug store 206 878-2345 or Corky Cellars Wine Shop 206 824-9462.

March also brings Daylight Savings Time Sunday, March 13th, ready or not. Another hour of Summer daylight is welcomed, yet my internal deep-seated human calendar/clock protests the changes of rewinding my human clock to match, especially those first and last weeks of change.

Spring traditionally includes "House Cleaning." After so many years of collecting good stuff many closets are full, and drawers jammed to the hilt. What gremlin did that I wonder while examining my own. Even after cleaning out things more stuff appears. If only there was another March Moon influence that boosted up energy, strength and help for spring cleaning. Meantime, let's do what we can and bless favorite charities with the windfall.

Celebrate the coming of spring; Buy bright colors, plant new flowers, paint the outside of the house and businesses and be inspired with new choices to better enjoy opportunities. The Bible's Book of Revelations 21.5, reads "Behold I make all things new."

What some people see as dismal defeat in life -- others see as fresh beginnings.

These inspiring song lyrics of yesteryear make for a great start of any day, titled, "It's a Good Day" (lyrics in part)

"It's a good day for singing a song, an it's a good day for moving along, Yes it's a good day how could anything go wrong, cuz it's a good day from morning til night.

It's a good day for shining your shoes, an it's a good day for losing the blues, everything to gain and nothing to lose, yes, it's a good day from morning til night."

Today's Thought: We hold the key to making our life all it can be.